How tight is too tight (cycling jacket)?

Smokeyskelton

Hi,

In order to avoid destroying my good jacket and to get that debonair cyclist look I ordered a cycling jacket. This would be to wear commuting and on leisure trips.

Now I was expecting it to be reasonably tight for aerodynamic purposes, but I may have strayed into fetish wear territory by mistake.

I ordered a Craft Elite Pace in medium based on the the site's measurements, but it looks pretty tight to me. Craft doesn't appear to need to "size up" like the Italian brands, according to my research, but it's fairly snug none the less.

What do Boardsies think? Next size up gives an extra 2 inches on the chest, will this be enough or too much?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67373244@N08/8237634371/lightbox/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67373244@N08/8238703446/lightbox/

Thanks

TheBlaaMan

The 'joys' of buying online, eh.....?

TBH, looks a bit tight, but you'll really only know when you wear whatever you expect to wear (jersey plus base layer for 'dry' winter riding?) and then try it out while positioned on the bike. If its uncomfortably tight at any spot at that stage, its a non-runner IMO.

Smokeyskelton

Yeah, think you are probably right, just wasn't too keen on the hassle of returns!

I've only got a long sleeve t-shirt underneath, and although I don't feel constricted it looks a bit like an item of clothing that requires a ball-gag to complete the look.

I'll try it on again and have a ponder.

Thanks.

murph226

It does look a bit on the small side, it might be ok now but will probably shrink a little when washed.

Also you might want an extra bit of room for base layers.

thebouldwhacker

Meh, looks pretty good to me. Put it on, assume drops position and as long as you aren't restricted in breathing and the cuffs don't ride up your arms your good to go.

feck sake lads

yeah looks perfect to me most if not jackets stretch ,
enjoy it while you can i have a class assos hanging in my closet 3 years or more because i'm overweight:mad::(:eek:

bcmf

Race Fit is the term.

Wishbone Ash

Looks fine to me.

Smokeyskelton

Thanks for all the opinions. It just goes to show everyone has different tastes, as there is a bit of a divergence of views in the replies.

In the drops the shoulders have a bit of extra material built in, so the sleeves don't ride up my arms. The jacket does ride up if I raise my arms above my head, but then again that would happen with most fitted items. It does not fall back into place after I drop my arms due to the sticky lining (that keeps the jacket in place in riding position).

My breathing isn't restricted either, as the material is very stretchy. But it is decidedly snug and I only have one long sleeve t-shirt/base layer substitute under it in the picture, and I have to use the stretch in the material to close the jacket/zip it up.

I wanted it reasonably fitted, but overall I'd probably feel less "Fred-ish" if it wasn't so figure hugging. I just hate the hassle and expense of the return.

On that note, has anyone experience of the Probikekit returns for size issues? Their site says they accept returns and pay for your return postage except for clothing size issues as they may charge a re-stocking fee and a further delivery fee (and not refund your postage fee).

Thanks again for the replies they are very helpful (even if there is no unanimity).

el Bastardo

Smokeyskelton wrote: »

Thanks for all the opinions. It just goes to show everyone has different tastes, as there is a bit of a divergence of views in the replies.

In the drops the shoulders have a bit of extra material built in, so the sleeves don't ride up my arms. The jacket does ride up if I raise my arms above my head, but then again that would happen with most fitted items. It does not fall back into place after I drop my arms due to the sticky lining (that keeps the jacket in place in riding position).

My breathing isn't restricted either, as the material is very stretchy. But it is decidedly snug and I only have one long sleeve t-shirt/base layer substitute under it in the picture, and I have to use the stretch in the material to close the jacket/zip it up.

I wanted it reasonably fitted, but overall I'd probably feel less "Fred-ish" if it wasn't so figure hugging. I just hate the hassle and expense of the return.

On that note, has anyone experience of the Probikekit returns for size issues? Their site says they accept returns and pay for your return postage except for clothing size issues as they may charge a re-stocking fee and a further delivery fee (and not refund your postage fee).

Thanks again for the replies they are very helpful (even if there is no unanimity).

Don't know about Probikekit, but the norm is that you pay return postage when it's your mistake; Making a poor choice is always 'your mistake'.

Was that Craft jacket actually meant for commuting? It looks kinda 'gay' for general wear.

marketty

Sure u won't be putting your hands up in the air til the end of the race/commute anyway...fist pump!!

Darkglasses

Personally I'd say it's too tight, but I guess plenty of other people wouldn't.

Smokeyskelton

Think i'll return it for a larger size. I got it for commuting and longer spins, so maybe its a bit on the racing spectrum.

it will be embarrassing wearing this while being overtaken by a geriatric on a Dublin bike. Not too much call for fist pumping i'm afraid.

Now will have to decide whether to go up one size or two!

Thanks for the advice guys.